Calcium chloride
2 marks · HardDescribe how electrons are transferred when a lithium atom and a fluorine atom react to form lithium fluoride. Your answer should explain how this transfer leads to the formation of ions.
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A lithium atom transfers one electron to a fluorine atom. Lithium becomes a \, ion and fluorine becomes a \, ion.
Also accept: Li loses one electron and F gains one electron; this forms positive Li+ and negative F- ions
Common mistakes: Stating atoms share electrons; Omitting mention of ions
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Describes that one electron is transferred from lithium to fluorine
A1 · 1 mark · States that this forms Li+ and F- ions (or describes positive and negative ions are formed)
Worked solution
A lithium atom loses one electron and transfers it to a fluorine atom.
This means the lithium becomes a positively charged ion (Li+) and the fluorine becomes a negatively charged ion (F-).